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My father, who founded our company with a nine-stool root beer stand in 1927, came from a family of eight children. Dad had four sisters and three brothers. Woodrow was the youngest member of the family and he died in 2005. His widow, Judy Cannon Marriott, passed away on August 24. She would have been 98 on September 20. She was the last surviving member of my dad’s family - thus, the end of an era.

She was a truly remarkable woman. Whenever I saw her, I felt I had seen an angel in the flesh. She was born into a musical family. Her father, Tracy Cannon, was a renowned composer of hymns in the Latter Day Saints Church. Aunt Judy was our church chorister for 40 years and served in a number of positions in the women’s organizations of our church.

She and my Uncle Woodrow had four children but these children had an incredible posterity. Nancy, their oldest, had seven children; David was next with 11 children; Susan with six and Judy Ann with 12. These 36 grandchildren gave Woodrow and Judy 106 great-grandchildren.

Aunt Judy’s funeral was held in Salt Lake City on August 29. It was a tremendous tribute to Judy and her inspiring life. The opening hymn was a stirring and uplifting piece called, “There Is Sunshine in My Soul Today.” I can’t think of a more fitting hymn to describe Judy whom the speakers described as always happy, fun loving and full of laughter.

I always remember that she had a cheerful twinkle in her eye. She loved a good story and she never spoke ill of anyone.

Judy’s three surviving children gave inspiring talks about the love they had for their patient and kind mother who was always reaching out to help others less fortunate. They told stories of her seeking out those who had no place to go and would bring them home to dinner.

She even invited those who were more fortunate, giving a large Christmas dinner at her home for our entire Marriott clan of 40-50 people in Washington for over 30 years.

Halfway through the funeral service, her great-grandchildren were asked to stand on their seats in the audience and join in singing a Latter Day Saints children’s hymn, “I Am a Child of God.” When approximately 90 young ones stood and sang this tribute to their great-grandmother, it was a truly tender moment for me. The church was filled with musical talent, inherited from my Aunt Judy.

The service concluded with a beautiful hymn, “Come Unto Him,” sung in a very strong tenor voice by Judy’s grandson, Cannon Marriott. The service was a fitting tribute to a loving, happy, valiant woman – a fitting end to an era in the life of our family.

I’m Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the Move.

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What an eloquent way to communicate how your Aunt Judy brought such kindness to so many and how she obviously lived a full life and made so many contributions both personally and through the legacy of having children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who further honor her memory.

May you all find peace and consolation during this period of mourning and know that all of you have been blessed with her presence.

I just came across your blog about the passing of your Aunt Judy and I extend my deepest condolences to you and your family for your loss. It's a strange thing figuring out how to continue living after the death of a beloved one. As I have striven to move forward after my own lovely mother's death, a powerful chain of events were put into motion that brought me to the Marriott. I know it's a fresh loss, but I hope that as you reflect on her life and all the good she brought to the world, you and your family feel as much peace and happiness as possible. I also hope that you continue to see her special beauty and kindness you described in the world around you in myriads of unique ways.

Just happened to come across your blog! So sorry to hear about the passing of Judy Marriott. I know that words cannot take away the sadness you feel, but Skip and I just wanted to send along our sympathies to the Marriott Family.

I enjoy reading your blogs. They are uplifting, fun and can be educational. Thank you for sharing your family and memories with employees like myself. It helps me stay connected to why Marriott is successful. I truly hope that as big as this company gets we never lose sight of your dad's mantra, "take care of your employees and they will take care of your guests (customers)". Thank you for keeping me "on the move".

Dear friends in Christ
Love, so strong a state can not separate us even in death...for the beauty of a loving relationship becomes part of our very being...physical death is but a parting of the fleshly state, but spiritual separation is only a temporary parting only to be rejoined at athe consummation of souls with our Lord in heaven. Memories are a spiritual God given gift....a moment of remembrance is a moment of a past love reality.

I loved this BlOG and read each one from you every week --- and one is better than another, and enjoy all of them. Another favorite of mine was about your wife, Donna and your Anniversary. Congratulations once again, on your special and long life together.

I did meet Woodrow - but unfortunately, I never knew your wonderful Aunt Judy, and it sounds as though I would have recognized her special qualities and talents.

By the way, Bob and I have already past our 61 1/2 years of marriage now, - and 62 will be on New Year's Day 2015. We plan to celebrate it right here in Venice, FL with our family.

With wonderful memories of my time and years working in your Dad's office and then yours. Thankfully, Trudi

Mr Marriott. How blessed you are in life. Great security surrounds you. We imagine it's because you do good in life too.
How is Marriott Hotel in Rwanda going? Breaking barriers and bringing the world more together, we hope. It would be great if a set of Marriott Hotels cater entirely to those who are VEGAN and believe in the protection of all species, not just human species. Thanks for sharing highlights of your aunt Judy.